"Flu Vaccinations"

I called my surgery in Renfrewshire this morning to make appointments for the flu vaccination for myself and my partner.

I am the carer for two 80 year olds, one of whom is disabled, and my partner suffers from asthma.

I was told I couldn't make an appointment as there is a clinic for vaccinations, but I pointed out that neither of us could make this as we both work Saturdays.

I was then told that I couldn't make appointments until after the date of the clinic, and even then, I may still not be able to do so as there may be other clinics (which, if they are on Saturdays, would still be no use to either of us).

Potentially, it could be January before we can get our vaccinations, at which point it would be too late. I am appaled at the lack of flexibility with this system. Unfortunately, patients cannot be compartmentalised into convenient slots, and there should be some leeway for people like myself to be able to make an appointment to suit.

I will probably have to arrange for these to be done privately now, but you can be assured that I will be lodging a complaint with my local health service.